President calls for reviewing elderly healthcare, social security systems

As medical science advances and people's living standards rise, average life expectancy is increasing worldwide. As a result, the elderly population is also growing. In this changed reality, President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has called for reviewing the healthcare, social security, housing and employment arrangements for the elderly.

He made this call in a message on the occasion of International Day of Older Persons on Wednesday, October 1. This year's theme for the day is 'The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives'.

In his message, the President said average life expectancy has increased due to remarkable advances in medical science and improvements in the quality of life. In this era of longevity, alongside the growing number of elderly people, the need has arisen to consider their healthcare, social security, housing and employment anew.

Describing old age as part of the natural life cycle of human beings, he said the final stage of every person's life should be safe and dignified. In this regard, families, society and the state have responsibilities towards the elderly.

The President said Article 15(d) of Bangladesh's Constitution assigns the state the responsibility of ensuring social security for the growing elderly population. In continuation of this, the government has allocated Tk 5,239 crore for the old age allowance sector in the 2026-27 fiscal year. At the same time, the amount of the allowance and the number of beneficiaries have also been increased.

Highlighting the contributions of the elderly, the President said they are not merely memories of the past, but the foundation of the present and a repository of experience to show the path to the future. The country's current position has been built on their labour, talent, sacrifice and experience. However, a large portion of the elderly are living with problems such as health risks, financial uncertainty and loneliness.

He said a more caring attitude towards the elderly is needed to establish a just and humane society. Alongside the government, he called on private institutions, social and public welfare organisations, affluent individuals and families to be more active in the welfare of the elderly. At the same time, the President wished good health and a safe and peaceful life for all elderly people in Bangladesh and around the world.